The AHL, considered the Triple-A level of North American hockey, is seeing its teams average 5,412 fans per game, up 4% from the same period a year ago. The Hershey Bears continue to lead all teams with 9,512 fans per game as the club looks to top the league in attendance for the seventh straight year. The Bears' current figures also would see the club with an eighth straight year of attendance growth. Several Canadian markets have seen large jumps at the gate due to the NHL lockout. The Hamilton Bulldogs lead all teams with attendance up 55%, while the Toronto Marlies are up 49%. U.S.-based clubs seeing big gains are the Albany Devils (+27%), Rochester Americans (+27%) and Norfolk Admirals (+21%). However, several clubs also are seeing sharp drops at the gate. The Adirondack Phantoms are down a league-worst 36%, while the Portland (ME) Pirates are down 27% and the Texas Stars are down 11% (THE DAILY).